Retaining device for drumsticks



Jan. 23, 1968 E, GlBA 3,365,108

. RETAINING DEVICE- FOR DRUMSTICKS Filed Nov 14, 1966 INVENTOR.

F I v JOHN E. GIBA ATTORNEY 3,365,108 RETAINING DEVICE FOR DRUMSTICKS John E. Giba, Youngstown, Ohio, assignor of fifty percent to Fred R. Armeni, Poland, Ohio Filed Nov. 14, 1966, Ser. No. 593,880 1 Claim. (Cl. 224-48) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a device for retaining a drumstick in the hand of its user and more particularly to such a device which is inconspicuous and which does not interfere with the use of the drumstick.

When the drummers hand and the drumstick becomes moist with perspiration there is a tendency for the stick to slip forward in the hand thus placing it in an unbalanced position. There is also the danger that, especially during long parades and the like, the drumstick will slip completely out of the drummers hand and fall to the ground. It has previously been proposed to provide a band of rubber or similar material around the body of the drumstick to provide a less slippery gripping surface but it is still necessary for the drummer to maintain a secure grip on the stick. If the drumstick is held for a long period of time the fingers are likely to relax causing the drumstick to fall from the drummers hand.

It is the primary object of my invention to provide a device for retaining the drumstick in the drummers hand which keeps the stick in a balanced position in the hand and which prevents the stick from falling even if the drummer relaxes his hold thereon. It is a further object of the invention to provide a drumstick retaining device which is inconspicuous when used and which does not interfere with the natural use of the drumstick. A further object of the invention is the provision of drumstick retaining means which enables the drummer to readily twirl the drumstick in fancy acts of showmanship without the fear of losing the stick from his hand. Another object of the invention is the provision of such drumstick retaining means which is lightweight and which is inexpensive to manufacture.

The above and other objects of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following specification and the accompanying drawing wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a view showing a drumstick equipped with the device of my invention held by a drum player in the normal playing position;

FIGURE 2 is a view showing a drumstick equipped with the device of my invention and showing clearly the interconnection between the drumstick and the finger of the drummer;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of my invention;

nited States Patent 3,365,108 Patented Jan. 23, 1968 FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to. that of FIGURE 3 showing another embodiment of my invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-4, I provide two rings 10 and 1'1. Ring 10 is designed to be worn on a finger of the drummers hand and ring 11 is designed to encompass a drumstick D. Ring 11 may be provided with a suitable screw 12 to tightly secure the ring to the drumstick. Joined to the rings 10 and 11 by lengths of flexible chain or the like 13 and 14 is a swivel connection 15. The combined length of the connecting elements 13, 14, and 15 is such that the drumstick may be held in a normal playing position Without pressure or strain being applied to either the drummers fingers or the drumstick while preventing the stick from sliding forward in the drummers hand. The ring 10 may be designed to appear to be an ordinary finger ring and to one observing the drummer it will appear that the drummer is merely wearing a ring, the connecting portion of the device being hidden by his hand.

The swivel connection 15 permits the drumstick to be twirled or spun easily and without fear of losing the drumstick. Thus, the device of my invention permits even an unskilled drummer to execute fancy showmanship routines without long periods of practice.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in FIGURE 5, I provide a ring 10 to be worn on the finger of a drummer and the connecting members 13, 14, and 15 as in the above described embodiment. The connecting member 14 is secured to a screw 16 which is screwed directly into the body of the drumstick. This embodiment is less noticeable than that previously described as there is no band or ring encompassing the drumstick.

It should now be apparent that I have provided a novel device for retaining a drumstick in the hand of a drummer which accomplishes the objects initially set out. The device is both simple and inexpensive to manufacture and sell. It is inconspicuous in use and elfectively restrains the drumstick from slipping through the drummers hand while not interfering with the use of the drumstick.

It should also be apparent that various changes and additions may be made in or to the device specifically described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention. For example, the ring 10 may be provided with a gap so as to be adjustable to dilferent finger sizes. Likewise, any suitable means for securing the connecting members 1 3, 14, and 15 to the drumstick may be used. Either of the connecting members 13 or 14 may be omitted an the swivel connection 15 made part of either ring 10 or ring 11.

Having described my invention what I claim is:

1. A device for retaining a drumstick in the hand of a drummer, comprising: a ring designed to be worn on a finger of the drummers hand, an elongated flexible member having a 360 degree freely swivelling joint intermediate the ends of the member, and a drumstick, said member attached at one end thereof to said ring and being of such length that said drumstick may be held and moved in normal playing position without interference or pressure on the users finger while being maintained within reach of the drummers fingers in the event the drummer releases his grip on said drumstick; and means securing the second end of said member to said drumstick at a point which is closer to the center thereof than the ends so as to maintain the balance of said drumstick.

(References on following page) References Cited FOREIGI? PATENTS UNITED STATES PATENTS 459,151 8/1913 France. 452,830 5/1891 Bowie et a1. 224 2s 293,339 7/1928 GreatBfitain' 1331132 %?1338 iiiiiiiiiiiijijji: 52532 5 GERALD FORLENZA Primary 2,036,172 3/ 1936 Gagnon 24--116 R. SPAR, Assistant Examiner.

3,286,751 11/ 1966 Dishart 224-26 X 

